Texas Attorney General Sues Acetaminophen Producers Regarding Autism Allegations
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against the manufacturers of acetaminophen, asserting the corporations concealed safety concerns that the drug posed to pediatric cognitive development.
The lawsuit follows thirty days after President Donald Trump promoted an unsubstantiated connection between consuming Tylenol - also known as paracetamol - during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder in offspring.
Paxton is taking legal action against the pharmaceutical giant, which previously sold the drug, the sole analgesic approved for pregnant women, and the current manufacturer, which presently makes it.
In a declaration, he claimed they "deceived the public by gaining financially from discomfort and promoting medication without regard for the risks."
The manufacturer says there is no credible evidence tying acetaminophen to autism.
"These companies deceived for years, deliberately risking countless individuals to line their pockets," the attorney general, from the Republican party, declared.
The company stated officially that it was "deeply concerned by the spread of false claims on the reliability of acetaminophen and the likely effects that could have on the welfare of US mothers and children."
On its online platform, the company also stated it had "continuously evaluated the relevant science and there is lacking reliable evidence that shows a established connection between consuming paracetamol and autism."
Organizations acting on behalf of doctors and health professionals agree.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated acetaminophen - the key substance in acetaminophen - is among limited choices for pregnant women to treat pain and elevated temperature, which can create serious health risks if left untreated.
"In multiple decades of studies on the use of acetaminophen in gestation, zero credible investigations has successfully concluded that the usage of paracetamol in any period of gestation causes neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring," the association commented.
The lawsuit cites latest statements from the previous government in claiming the drug is potentially dangerous.
In recent weeks, the former president caused concern from public health officials when he told pregnant women to "struggle intensely" not to use Tylenol when unwell.
The FDA then released a statement that doctors should consider limiting the consumption of acetaminophen, while also declaring that "a proven link" between the medication and autism spectrum disorder in young ones has not been proven.
The Health Department head RFK Jr, who manages the Food and Drug Administration, had promised in spring to initiate "extensive scientific investigation" that would determine the origin of autism spectrum disorder in a short period.
But authorities warned that finding a unique factor of autism spectrum disorder - considered by experts to be the result of a intricate combination of genetic and external influences - would not be simple.
Autism spectrum disorder is a category of lifelong neurodivergence and disability that impacts how people experience and interact with the world, and is recognized using doctors' observations.
In his lawsuit, Paxton - aligned with the former president who is campaigning for the Senate - alleges Kenvue and J&J "intentionally overlooked and tried to quiet the evidence" around paracetamol and autism.
The case aims to force the firms "destroy any promotional materials" that claims acetaminophen is secure for expectant mothers.
The court case echoes the concerns of a assembly of guardians of children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who sued the manufacturers of Tylenol in recently.
A federal judge dismissed the legal action, declaring research from the plaintiffs' authorities was lacking definitive proof.